New Partner to Lead McDermott's Chicago Securities Litigation Group
CHICAGO (January 15, 2007) — McDermott Will & Emery is pleased to announce that accomplished trial lawyer Joel Chefitz has joined the Firm as head of Chicago’s Securities Litigation Practice Group. Most recently the managing partner of Howrey's Chicago office, Mr. Chefitz will continue and expand his practice in securities and antitrust litigation at McDermott. He has taken the lead at trial and on appeal for clients ranging from sports franchises to pharmaceutical companies to government entities.
"Joel will be an instrumental leader for our Chicago trial practice, as well as our Firm-wide litigation practice," commented Jeffrey E. Stone, head of McDermott's 250+ lawyer Trial Department. "We are excited to add Joel to our leadership team. His experience gives him the knowledge and ability to lead our securities litigation practice in Chicago while further strengthening the group's capabilities."
Mr. Chefitz has achieved a strong record of success in complex business litigation, in areas including antitrust, securities, mergers and acquisitions, professional responsibility, sports and constitutional litigation. Identified as a "trustworthy market leader," Chambers Guide to America's Leading Business Lawyers reported Mr. Chefitz is known for "bringing superb advocacy skills to the table" and for his "bold and smart style before the FTC and SEC."
"McDermott’s expansive and seamlessly integrated platform provides my clients with the benefit of a greater range of high-end services," said Mr. Chefitz. "I also look forward to working with Jeff as he leads the continued growth of a world-class trial practice. McDermott should and will be one of a few select firms on the largest corporations' short list for complex business trials, from securities litigation to antitrust litigation to white-collar criminal defense, and everything in between."
"Under the leadership of Jeff Stone, McDermott's litigation practice has quickly become known as one of the premier trial groups in the United States, attracting both high profile matters and lawyers," commented Kay Hoppe of Credentia, Inc., a legal search firm based in Chicago. "The Firm's reputation is exactly why accomplished senior trial lawyers, even those in management level positions like Joel are so enthusiastic about becoming part of McDermott's team."
Mr. Chefitz began his career as a trial partner at the law firm of Kirkland & Ellis. He earned his J.D., magna cum laude, from Boston University School of Law and his B.A., with honors, from Boston University. He served as note and case editor and on the managing board of Boston University's Law Review. Mr. Chefitz clerked for Walter Jay Skinner of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
McDermott's Securities Litigation Practice Group is comprised of lawyers with significant experience representing public companies, their officers, directors and other affiliates, who are the subject of securities-related litigation. Firm lawyers have substantial experience defending individual, class and derivative actions. McDermott has handled issuer fraud cases, corporate take-over contests, proxy fights and valuation cases, among others. The Securities Litigation Practice Group also works closely with the SEC Defense Practice Group, which specializes in representing corporations and individuals before the SEC.
McDermott's Trial Department is well-known for providing clients with a unique blend of trial skills and substantive experience which can be effectively used in the many areas of law and business where disputes arise. Named to The National Law Journal's defense hot list, Firm lawyers are regularly engaged in all aspects of civil, regulatory and white-collar criminal defense litigation in U.S. and international forums.
